Adaptive and universal hot runner manifold for die casting
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsNaiyi Li, Nanda Gopal
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for the casting of metal components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plunger for drawing molten metal from a crucible of hot metal and for forcing the drawn molten metal through the system, a hot runner assembly having a nozzle tip positioned adjacent the mold cavity, and a machine nozzle disposed between the plunger and the hot runner assembly. An adaptive and universal hot runner manifold having removable hot runner injectors fitted thereto is provided for use with a variety of castings.
Claims20
A hot runner manifold for use in a metal casting apparatus, the hot runner being positioned between a molten metal delivery component and a mold cavity, the hot runner manifold comprising:
- an inlet in fluid communication with the molten metal delivery component;
- a molten metal passageway in fluid communication with said inlet;
- a first outlet in fluid communication with said molten metal passageway and the mold cavity;
- and
- a second outlet in fluid communication with said molten metal passageway and the mold cavity.
An apparatus for the casting of metal in a mold cavity, the apparatus comprising:
- a crucible containing a liquid metal;
- a molten metal delivery apparatus including an inlet and an outlet, said inlet being in fluid communication with said crucible;
- a hot runner manifold having an inlet in fluid communication with said outlet of said molten metal delivery apparatus, a molten metal passageway in fluid communication with said inlet, a first outlet in fluid communication with said molten metal passageway and the mold cavity, and a second outlet in fluid communication with said molten metal passageway and the mold cavity.
A method for casting a metal part in a die cavity comprising the steps of:
- forming a metal part casting apparatus comprising a crucible containing a liquid metal, a molten metal delivery apparatus, a hot runner manifold assembly having a temperature control system and plural outlets, and a die having a die cavity;
- selecting plural inserts for a like number of outlets, the inserts being selected from the group consisting of hot runner injectors and outlet plugs;
- fitting said selected plural inserts into said plural outlets of said hot runner manifold assembly until all of said outlets are occupied by one of said inserts;
- connecting said hot runner manifold assembly to said die;
- engaging said hot runner temperature control system in said hot runner manifold assembly;
- and
- causing molten metal to flow through said metal part casting apparatus and into said die cavity to form a part.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.